Since 2023, Kazakhstan has been implementing an educational grant program for citizens who have completed compulsory military service. Under the program, they can enroll in higher education institutions on a grant-funded or fee-paying basis without taking the Unified National Testing (UNT). These benefits were introduced to encourage young people to fulfill their military service and provide them with opportunities for professional development. This year, 13 citizens who completed their military service were admitted to Abai University under the «Sarbaz 2.0» project.

As a reminder, on May 15, 2024, amendments were made to Article 50-1 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On Military Service and the Status of Military Personnel» and Article 26 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On Education». These amendments were introduced to create educational opportunities for certain categories of soldiers who have completed compulsory military service. In particular, soldiers wishing to continue their education are given the opportunity to enroll, within one year, in higher military and specialized educational institutions, as well as postgraduate education organizations, without taking the UNT.

For example, first-year Abai University student Yerassyl Tilekuly is currently studying in the «Jurisprudence: Judicial and Prosecutorial Activities» program under this benefit. According to Yerassyl, becoming a legal professional has been his childhood dream:

- My dream is to become a qualified specialist in law and jurisprudence. Of course, a military ID is required for this field of study. Therefore, while serving in the military, I explored different opportunities to enter a university. After learning about the ‘Sarbaz 2.0’ program, I decided to try my luck. I took the examination designed for soldiers and was admitted to Abai University, - the student said.

State educational grants are awarded to soldiers who demonstrate strong results in combat and state-law training during their compulsory military service. All information regarding the achievements of grant applicants is registered on the «Sarbaz 2.0» digital platform available on the website of the Ministry of Defense.

The allocation of grants among higher education institutions is carried out twice a year by a commission organized by the Ministry of Defense. Soldiers who do not receive an educational grant can also enroll in higher education institutions on a fee-paying basis without taking any entrance examinations. The certificate issued to soldiers is valid for up to two years.

Soldiers who have fulfilled their duty to the country have the opportunity to receive free education at more than 70 universities across Kazakhstan. It is important to note that medical, pharmaceutical, and pedagogical educational programs are not included in the list of programs covered by these grants.

In 2025, a total of 2,314 educational grants were allocated across Kazakhstan to citizens who had completed compulsory military service, while 2,553 grants have been предусмотрено for 2026. Grants under the «Sarbaz 2.0» program are distributed among the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, the Border Service, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the State Security Service.

«Abai University» Media Center